By Kenneth Braswell; CEO
Fathers Incorporated
Fathers Incorporated teamed up with the Morehouse School of Medicine to host a Parent Empowerment listening session led by the U.S. Department of Education with 30 dads and other community representatives. These listening sessions are part of a nation tour to learn more directly from parents and hear their voices and concerns about education in their communities. This particular session was unique in that to-date is the only one solely focus on hearing the voices of dads.
As part of Fathers Incorporated’s services the organization provides its direct service through its Gentle Warriors Academy. The academy is dedicated to empowering fathers and families by providing a wide variety of programs designed to strengthen families through the development of responsible fatherhood, co-parenting, and life skills. Its core mission is to help fathers become positive role models for their children, improve their relationships with their partners and co-parents, and build the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in all aspects of their lives.
Morehouse School of Medicine’s Prevention Research Center leads the National African American Child and Family Research Center, which provides national leadership and excellence in community-engaged research to better serve African American children and families. The priority research areas are early education and care and social and economic mobility. Fatherhood is a cross-cutting research area at the Center because of fathers’ contributions to several child and family outcomes. Additionally, Morehouse School of Medicine’s Prevention Research Center convenes Fathers Matter ATL, a multi-sector team of leaders in the community, academia, and health and human services working together to promote and support father involvement.
Fathers play a crucial role in their children’s lives, and their involvement in their children’s education is vital. The importance of fathers engaging in the advocacy of their children’s education cannot be overstated. Fathers are a child’s first role model, and their involvement can make a significant difference in their children’s academic success. In this editorial, we will explore the reasons why fathers must be actively involved in their children’s education and how their participation can benefit their children, their families, and the community.
One of the most significant benefits of father involvement in their children’s education is improved academic performance. Research has shown that children whose fathers are actively involved in their education are more likely to perform well in school, have higher grades, and be more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education. Children with involved fathers are also more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem and greater confidence in their academic abilities.
Fathers can also contribute to their children’s education in many ways. For example, they can help with homework, provide guidance on academic and career choices, attend school events, and participate in parent-teacher conferences. Fathers can also be involved in extracurricular activities and support their children’s interests, such as sports, music, or other hobbies. This involvement can help children develop a sense of responsibility, leadership, and teamwork.
Father involvement also has benefits beyond academic performance. Fathers who are involved in their children’s education can have a positive impact on their children’s mental health. Studies have shown that children with involved fathers are less likely to develop behavioral problems or experience depression and anxiety. This involvement can also strengthen the father-child relationship, leading to better communication and greater emotional support.
Moreover, fathers’ involvement in their children’s education can have a positive impact on their families and communities. When fathers are engaged in their children’s education, it can help create a more positive family environment, promote healthy family dynamics, and strengthen the bond between family members. This involvement can also inspire other fathers to become more involved in their children’s education, leading to a more engaged and supportive community.
Despite the numerous benefits of father involvement in their children’s education, many fathers are not actively engaged in this area. There are many reasons why fathers may not be involved, including work commitments, lack of awareness of the importance of involvement, and cultural or societal norms. However, it is essential to recognize the critical role fathers can play in their children’s education and work to increase their involvement.
To promote father involvement in education, schools and educational institutions can play a significant role. They can provide opportunities for fathers to engage in their children’s education, such as parent-teacher conferences, family events, and volunteer opportunities. Schools can also provide resources and information to fathers to help them become more involved, such as workshops, training, and online resources.
In turn, fathers can also take steps to become more involved in their children’s education. They can start by talking to their children about their schoolwork, attending school events, and volunteering at school. Fathers can also ask teachers and school administrators for opportunities to get involved and provide feedback on their children’s academic progress. By taking these steps, fathers can show their children that education is a priority and encourage them to take their studies seriously.
Father engagement begins with us all. Ultimately, by working together to promote father involvement in education, we can help create a brighter future for our children and our communities.
